Best Snorkeling in Tulum, Mexico: Reefs, Cenotes & More

Yes, Tulum offers excellent snorkeling opportunities in both the sea and cenotes. The world's second-largest coral reef, located off the coast, provides a fantastic snorkeling experience. Additionally, cenotes, freshwater sinkholes, offer unique snorkeling adventures in underground caves and inlets.

Best Spots for Snorkeling in Tulum

Tulum Reef (Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef)

Just a short boat ride from the beach, this protected reef system offers colorful coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, stingrays, and sometimes even sea turtles. A must for ocean lovers.

👉 We offer daily boat tours to this stunning reef — hop aboard and snorkel with us! Learn More About the Tour

Yalku Lagoon

Located near Akumal Yalku Lagoon is a calm, brackish-water inlet perfect for beginner and family-friendly snorkeling. With a mix of freshwater from cenotes and ocean water, it creates a rich habitat full of tropical fish like sergeant majors, parrotfish, and angelfish.

A peaceful place to explore at your own pace, and a great option if you’re looking for something different than the open sea.
👉 Just 18 km from Tulum — easy to reach by car, taxi or collective for a half-day adventure.

Casa Cenote

Where freshwater meets the sea, Casa Cenote is famous for its crystal-clear waters and lush mangrove surroundings. It’s great for beginners and has unique halocline effects where salt and fresh water mix.
👉 Just 11 km from Tulum — easily accessible by car, taxi, or collectivo

4. Punta Soliman Bay

Punta Soliman Bay is a hidden gem for snorkeling just north of Tulum. With its shallow reef sitting at around 2 meters deep, it’s a great place to spot colorful fish, barracudas, and even the occasional sea turtle or nurse shark.

It’s a quiet, less crowded area with calm waters, perfect for a relaxed snorkeling session.

👉  Best to visit with your own if you have a car — just bring your gear and enjoy the peaceful shoreline.

5.Cenote Cristal & Cenote Escondido
These two open cenotes sit across the road from each other just minutes from Tulum town.

5.Cenote Cristal & Cenote Escondido

These two open cenotes sit across the road from each other just minutes from Tulum town..

Cenote Escondido is a bit more hidden and peaceful, with deeper water, lots of fish, and hanging jungle vines that make it feel like a secret escape. There’s also a rope swing and a 6-foot cliff jump for those looking to add a little adventure to their snorkel session.
 👉 Only 4 km from central Tulum, both are easy to access and ideal if you're looking for a chill freshwater snorkeling experience close to town.

Cenote Cristal is a wide, open freshwater pool with shallow, crystal-clear water — perfect for a relaxing snorkel surrounded by lush jungle.
👉 Only 4 km from central Tulum, both are easy to access and ideal if you're looking for a chill freshwater snorkeling experience close to town.

6. Cenote Carwash (Aktun Ha)

Located about 8 km from Tulum on the road to Cobá, Cenote Carwash is a large open freshwater pool known for its crystal-clear water and vibrant underwater gardens.

It’s perfect for snorkeling with turtles, schools of colorful fish, and lush aquatic vegetation. For extra fun, there’s a rope swing for jumping into the refreshing water.

👉 About 8 km from Tulum — easily accessible by car or taxi for a perfect day trip.

7. Cenote Nohoch

Located about 12 km from Tulum, Cenote Nohoch is one of the largest and deepest cenotes in the area, famous for its vast open water and impressive limestone formations.

The clear, fresh water offers a unique snorkeling experience with plenty of fish and stunning natural beauty. It’s ideal for snorkelers who want to explore a more spacious and dramatic cenote environment.
👉 We offer daily cenote snorkeling tours — hop aboard and snorkel with us! Learn More About the Tour

How to take care of the Reef and Cenotes

When snorkeling in Tulum, it’s important to protect the fragile reef and cenote environments.
Never touch or stand on coral — these living organisms are delicate and can be easily damaged. When swimming over the reef, keep your body horizontal and watch your fins to avoid accidental contact.

Avoid using sunscreen before entering the water, even biodegradable types, as chemicals harm coral health. Instead, wear a rash guard for sun protection.

In cenotes, it’s best not to apply mosquito repellent before swimming. Mosquitoes won’t bite once you’re in the water, so there’s no need to risk polluting these pristine freshwater systems.

Don’t feed fish or wildlife to keep the ecosystem balanced, and avoid eating or drinking while in the water to prevent pollution.

By following these simple rules, you help preserve Tulum’s beautiful underwater world for everyone to enjoy.

FAQ: Snorkeling in Tulum

1.Is it possible to snorkel right from the beach in Tulum?
You can snorkel directly off the beach in Tulum, but it’s not the best spot. The area tends to be rocky and often windy, making conditions less than ideal. Booking a snorkeling tour is a smarter choice. Besides Tulum and Cozumel, Akumal is a great option where you can snorkel right from the shore. Enjoy!

2.Where can you avoid seaweed while snorkeling in Tulum?
Seaweed usually stays close to the shore and beaches, so snorkeling or diving further out keeps you in clear, Caribbean-blue waters free of seaweed.

3.Can you spot sea turtles in Tulum?
Tulum’s pristine white sand beaches provide ideal nesting grounds for Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles. Turtle season runs from May through September.

4.How much does snorkeling cost in Tulum?
Our reef snorkeling tour is $67 USD per person for about 2 hours.
The cenote snorkeling tour to Cenote Nohoch costs $100 USD per person and lasts around 3.5 hours.

5.Are there coral reefs in Tulum?
Yes, Tulum is home to part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. It features vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, making it a prime snorkeling and diving destination.

6.Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Tulum?
Yes, swimming in Tulum’s ocean is generally safe. The waters are warm and clear, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. However, always pay attention to local weather conditions, currents, and any posted warnings to stay safe.

7.Are cenotes in Tulum safe for swimming?
Yes, swimming in cenotes around Tulum is generally safe. These natural freshwater pools have clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. However, it’s important to follow safety guidelines, such as not diving into unfamiliar spots, wearing life jackets if needed, Some cenotes have deeper areas or underwater caves, so respecting signs and instructions helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.